JUST-IN: Rivers Administrator Ibas Meets Reps Panel, Requests More Time to Brief Lawmakers

States Rivers is relatively peaceful but still fragile

 

 

On Friday, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee overseeing the state, following his failure to attend two previous invitations from the panel.

During the first meeting with lawmakers, Admiral Ibas apologized for his prior absences and requested additional time to adequately prepare and provide a thorough and constructive briefing to the committee.

The retired three-star General explained that his failure to attend the previous sessions was not due to a lack of respect for the committee but was instead due to the urgent and significant demands of stabilizing governance in a state currently under emergency rule.

“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee. As you rightly mentioned, today marks exactly 10 days after the initial invitation, during which we had four days of public holidays, plus the weekends. The absence was not out of disregard, but due to the pressing matters of stabilizing governance in Rivers, which is relatively calm but still fragile,” Ibas stated.

He emphasized his commitment to fully cooperating with the committee and ensuring that all relevant information would be shared in due time to support the committee’s critical work.

“I have always held the National Assembly in high regard. I recognize the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress of Rivers State. Given the complexities and sensitivities of the current transitional period, it is crucial that any engagement with this committee is conducted with the accuracy, depth, and clarity it deserves,” he added.

The committee, led by House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), accepted Ibas’ apology and granted his request for more time to prepare for a comprehensive briefing.

“In keeping with the House’s tradition of fairness, and in recognition of the Administrator’s respect and responsibility, the committee has agreed to reschedule the meeting for a later date,” Ihonvbere stated.

He reiterated the committee’s commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and constructive engagement in ensuring national stability.

“The cooperation of all stakeholders in this process is crucial, and the Committee remains open to constructive engagement in line with the principles of accountability and the rule of law,” Ihonvbere concluded after the closed-door meeting.